Junior Lee Henry

Junior Lee Henry

Sunrise: June 3, 1951 | Sunset: November 23, 2022

Obituary:

Junior Lee Henry was the seventh of eight children born in 1951 to C.H. Henry and Ruthie Lee Henry in Saline, Louisiana.

In 1958, Junior’s family moved from Louisiana to Arizona, and settled in South Phoenix. Junior graduated from South Mountain High School and went on to study Automotive Technology at the Universal Technical Institute.

In 1980, Junior married Lavern Rhymes and their union produced a son, Akilie Henry-Rhymes. Years prior, Junior also fathered a daughter Faleshia Lafanette with whom he had lost contact. Faleshia’s wish to finally meet her biological father came true after an exhaustive search, giving them both a chance to spend time together before her untimely passing in 2020.

For twenty-seven years Junior worked for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. For much of that time, he provided key leadership managing the organization’s kitchen operations.

The organization’s mission of feeding, clothing, housing, and healing individuals and families throughout the community was certainly in alignment with Junior’s kind-hearted nature and unyielding desire for helping others.

Junior had a serious passion and love of classic cars, and expertly restored many vehicles throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed traveling and going on cruises. He was also a very gifted artist who designed and built his own, exclusive African-themed artwork that was widely popular and was even featured on local television.

As an esteemed and long-time member of both the American Legion Post #65, and the Elks Lodge #477, Junior cherished all his close friendships cultivated over many years with buddies such as Ezekiel “Zeke” Still, Michael Turner, Melvin Taylor, Jim Bridges, Chef Williams, Rick Jones and Stanley Howard amongst others.

He is survived by his son Akilie Henry-Rhymes with grandson Jaxsen Rhymes; three grandchildren born of Faleshia Lafanette, granddaughter Asia Small, and grandsons Leondre Kenyon and Khiry Lafanette; Brothers John Lee Henry (Jerrie) and George Henry (aka “Tu Tu) and twin sisters Dora Lee Rhymes (Argie) and Ora Lee Johnson. He was preceded in death by his brother Lee Gene Henry (aka “Shane”) and sisters Cannoba Hale and Kathy Bowles.

Junior was a strong and giant man, who had a gentle soul. His champion spirit will endure forever and remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him, including a host of siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, and their children, as well as cousins, dear friends, and coworkers.

A visitation for Junior will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Greenwood/Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Greenwoodmemorylawn.com for the Henry family.